Having Vs. Hoping?

Here’s the essence of my message preached at a Pentecostal church in Southern Indiana this past Sunday morning.

 

Most of you would agree that God is good, although that singular statement is an oversimplification.

 

What you may not agree upon is that our faith is a lot “gooder” than we’ve been led to believe.

 

No, ‘gooder’ is not good English. But it is great theology. Let me illustrate.

 

Most Christians today are into hoping, not having. One hopes for something one doesn’t have. And what you hope for is when you have it you will be better off, right (see Rom. 8:24-25)?

 

But by inspiration, we are commanded to “contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints” and to do so “earnestly” (Jude 3, NIV, NAS, KJV).

 

That’s what I do. By the Lord’s direction, I speak, teach, and write about our “once for all delivered” faith in my books, on my website, and in published articles—explaining the delivery process and nature of the final product.

 

The phrase “once for all” is also used in Hebrews 9:12 in association with Jesus entering the Most Holy Place in Heaven with his own blood, and in Hebrews 9:26, 10:10, and 1 Peter 3:18 regarding his sacrificial death.

 

The phrase “once for all” means there is no more to be done. It’s complete, finished.

 

But, sad to say, most Christians are NOT contending for our “once for all delivered” faith.

 

Instead, they are contending for an incomplete faith – one partially delivered 2,000 years ago. But soon, they hope, Jesus is going to return and finish the job.

 

Whom do you think we should believe – the inspired NT writer Jude or the uninspired church?

 

Which faith are you contending for today—having or still hoping (see Col. 1:13 KJV)?

 

How do you think this message was received?